University of Connecticut Program
Location:
Farmington, CTSpecialty:
Adult cardiothoracic anesthesiologyACGME Code:
0410804001The University of Connecticut Program in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology offers a comprehensive 1-year ACGME-accredited fellowship designed for future cardiac anesthesiologists. The program is structured to accept two fellows yearly, aiming to develop proficient and confident specialists in the field of cardiac anesthesia.
Clinical training is primarily conducted at Hartford Hospital, a distinguished 800-bed university-affiliated tertiary care center that provides a vast array of complex cardiovascular treatments. The program works in collaboration with the Hartford Healthcare Heart & Vascular Institute, which has shown significant volume in cardiac cases, performing 1867 surgeries in 2023 alone. The rich mentorship is provided by a team of 18 fellowship-trained cardiac anesthesiologists, all of whom possess advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) certification, emphasizing the importance of TEE in cardiac anesthesia.
Training Environment
During the fellowship year, fellows gain expertise in various procedures, including but not limited to CABGs, valve operations, LVADs, ECMO, heart transplants, and more. A significant aspect of the fellowship is the focus on teaching fellows the foundational skills necessary for mastering TEE, which prepares them for board certification exams. Besides, fellows will also spend a portion of their training time at UConn Health to experience different institutional practices regarding cardiac patient management 1.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum consists of core rotations divided into 4-week blocks, including:
- Cardiac Anesthesia: 6 blocks
- Thoracic/Vascular Anesthesia: 1 block
- Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU): 1 block
- Electrophysiology Lab/Cardiac Catheterization Lab Anesthesia: 1 block
- TEE/TTE: 1 block
Fellows are also offered elective rotations, allowing them to delve deeper into topics such as perfusion, ECMO, inpatient cardiology, and pediatric cardiac anesthesia. The structured program provides 4 weeks of vacation and opportunities to attend national conferences 4.
Research and Scholarly Activity
Fellows are highly encouraged to engage in scholarly activities throughout their time in the program. This engagement could include participating in ongoing research, presenting at national forums, authoring articles, or initiating quality improvement projects 8. Specific research activities have led to numerous peer-reviewed publications demonstrating the fellowship's commitment to advancing cardiac anesthesiology.
Fellow Wellness Program
Recognizing the demanding nature of fellowship training, the program emphasizes the importance of mental and physical well-being. The fellowship fosters a supportive environment, engendering camaraderie among fellows through numerous activities, such as annual picnics, holiday events, and recreational outings. Several benefits enhance fellow wellness, including a $1000 education fund, a $2000 conference fund, mental health counseling, and more. In addition, the fellows benefit from structured mentoring and a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance 6.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants must complete the SF Match application and will undergo a competitive selection process. The program welcomes diverse applicant backgrounds, and bachelors with significant experience in anesthesia will be prioritized. No specific STEP exam failure limits are mentioned, enhancing the program's accessibility to a broad range of candidates 7.
Visa Sponsorship
The program provides visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, potentially supporting J-1 and H-1B visa applications, thereby accommodating a diverse cohort of fellows 1.
Competitiveness
The UConn Fellowship is regarded as competitive, attracting candidates from various medical backgrounds, including both MDs and DOs, willing to enhance their expertise in cardiothoracic anesthesia. The fellowship maintains a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the evolving landscape of medical education.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,979First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
9XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Farmington, CT
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Living in Farmington, CT
- Crime Rate and Safety: Farmington is generally considered a safe town with a lower crime rate compared to other areas in Connecticut.
- Fun Activities: Farmington offers various outdoor activities like hiking, biking trails, and parks. There are also historical sites such as the Hill-Stead Museum.
- Climate: Farmington experiences all four seasons with cold winters and warm summers.
- Races and Population: Farmington has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities.
- Education: Farmington is known for its reputable school system and is home to the University of Connecticut Health Center.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Farmington is higher than the national average, mainly due to housing costs.
- Neighboring Cities: Larger cities like Hartford and New Haven are approximately 30-45 minutes away by car. Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, offers a more urban experience with cultural attractions, restaurants, and shopping.
- Pros: Safe environment, outdoor recreational opportunities, good schools, proximity to larger cities.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, limited nightlife options within Farmington itself.
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